The cleanup of the Ghost Fleet—57 decaying military ships that poisoned the San Francisco Bay ecosystem for 40 years—is two years ahead of schedule, with only 13 ships remaining to be removed from the Bay.

In 2010, Baykeeper successfully reached a settlement agreement requiring the federal government to clean up the rusting ships, which had released more than 20 tons of toxic metals into Suisun Bay, an inlet of San Francisco Bay.

On our annual inspection in August, Baykeeper found that 44 of the original 57 ships have been removed, with the worst ships removed first. We found serious problems with three remaining ships, and these will be remedied soon. The Ghost Fleet now poses a much smaller threat to San Francisco Bay and local wildlife.

The state's top water management agency is considering new industrial runoff pollution standards that don't provide adequate protection for waterways in California.

Runoff from landfills, metal recyclers, and other industrial facilities can contain highly toxic pollutants that endanger waterways and wildlife. But the recently proposed standards fail to strengthen the state's industrial storm water pollution program, and in some respects, weaken controls on industrial pollution. In fact, input from Baykeeper and our partner environmental advocates was largely ignored, while industry groups were able to shape the proposal to the advantage of polluters.

Please take action today to speak up for stronger controls on industrial runoff. And if you've already submitted your comments, thank you!

Baykeeper's Bay-Safe Industry Campaign won another victory last week when SOS Steel Company, Inc. agreed to clean up their toxic metal pollution from San Francisco Bay.

SOS Steel, a Santa Clara fabricator of parts for bridges and buildings, will install controls to keep contaminated runoff from the facility out of the Guadalupe River, a highly polluted tributary of San Francisco Bay.

Baykeeper's Bay-Safe Industry Campaign is working to curb widespread toxic runoff from industrial facilities. So far we've won pollution cleanup at thirteen facilities around the Bay Area.

For the third year in a row, Charity Navigator, the nation's leading evaluator of nonprofit organizations' financial performance, has awarded San Francisco Baykeeper its top 4-star rating.

Only 11% of the charities rated by Charity Navigator have received at least three consecutive 4-star evaluations. Charity Navigator examined elements such as Baykeeper's program growth, fundraising efficiency, and financial transparency to determine its rating of the organization as among the most fiscally responsible.

"Baykeeper is dedicated to protecting the Bay in the most effective ways possible, and that includes using our resources efficiently," said Deb Self, Baykeeper Executive Director. "We're honored to be among the few nonprofits to receive a third top rating from Charity Navigator."

Excitement is building for the 4th Annual Swim for the Bay! On Sunday morning, October 20, swimmers will dive into San Francisco Bay at the Golden Gate. They'll swim 9 miles to Emeryville, raising funds to support Baykeeper's work to protect San Francisco Bay from pollution. (Photo credit: Susanne Friedrich).

Open water swimmers, if you're not yet signed up, don't miss this exhilarating swim for a good cause. Don't want to get wet but still want to be part of the fun? Celebrate the swimmers at the Swim for the Bay Party, at the historic Dolphin Club in San Francisco, October 20, 5pm. Tickets are $50, or donate $50 or more to support your favorite swimmer.

Thanks to all the swimmers who have signed up for Swim for the Bay and the many generous people who have already donated to support the swimmers!